Prototyping and Electronic Development for the Construction Industry

During the development of new consumer electronic products, market research and multiple prototyping stages are undertaken. You can develop a fully functional retail version of your new product through prototyping.

Every stage provides unique insight into the product development process from the beginning to the end. To better understand your product, you should separate the prototype into phases, each with a specific goal.

Patent

In order to do so, you must explain how it works and what makes it unique. The disclosure of an idea during the early development phase is part of a marketing strategy, even if privacy concerns are understandable.

A patent design firm can be extremely helpful in the long and expensive process of obtaining a patent. The provisional is much cheaper and easier to obtain than the non provisional. It is usually not necessary to hire a patent attorney to file a patent.

Product Simplification

Complexity is viewed as a sign of sophistication by some buyers, while simplicity is equally desirable. An electronic device design firm can develop a simple product more quickly and more cost effectively than more complex alternatives. In order to complete the development process efficiently, simplification is often a non negotiable requirement.

Establishing companies should fund the development of complex products, but startups may have a difficult time dealing with the associated financial burden. When it comes to product design, simplification is excellent. With every additional feature, the project becomes more complex and costs more to develop.

The cost of even a seemingly minor modification can be hundreds of dollars, if not thousands. The PCB of a radio may need to be completely overhauled when the button layout is changed, for instance. The configuration should be simplified to reduce cost without compromising functionality.

Prototyping

Proof of Concept

Designed solely as a proof of concept, it is the early stage prototype. The prototype does not have to include the final product's functionality, features, or appearance at this early stage of development. Demonstrating the product concept works and solves the targeted problem is its purpose. Proof of Concepts can build on affordable development kits like Arduino.

Arduino is best suited to electronics with microcontrollers, since most electronic hardware products require microcontrollers. Some companies skip the proof of concept prototyping stage to save money, using CAE simulation software for simulations and design validation.

Cosmetic Prototype

The appearance and feel of a cosmetic prototype are important. You should keep in mind that the cosmetic prototype is only a representation of the outer shell of the product. There is no electronic circuitry in the looks like prototype, despite its nice appearance.

3D Printing

A good balance between cost and quality can also be found in Stereolithography. Fused deposition modeling is a relatively affordable, moderately detailed form of additive manufacturing. Selective laser sintering is a more complex additive manufacturing technique.

Clay or Foam

A physical model can be created cheapest and most effectively using the materials. Some simple tools like a knife and glue will suffice, and you do not need to be an expert sculptor.

Computer Numerical Control

This is a subtractive manufacturing method that removes material from a solid block of metal or plastic to create a desired shape. Everything is done by a computer controlled machine, similar to carving.

Works-like Prototype

Functionality is more important than cosmetics. In the case of electronic products, this means constructing a custom PCB. This is the phase in which you place all the electronics internal to the device on a PCB that will be built by a PCB designer. It takes considerable engineering knowledge and experience to design a PCB from scratch.

Most of the development cost comes from hiring engineers and custom PCB. You can test the functionality of the product using the prototype.

A radio should be able to be turned on and off, the volume adjusted, and the radio stations searched. You should also be able to test the audio equalizer and headphone jack on your radio. Bluetooth and USB connections are also examples of additional features.

Engineering Prototype

Prototype engineering companies collaborate with prototype design engineers to create the appearance and functionality, and the outer shell and internal components are assembled into a single unit. Make sure the prototype is high quality if you want to present the product to investors or customers. The product might not be perfect, but at least some rough edges those appear & behave like a final product.

Pre-production Prototype

It is primarily the manufacturability of the final version that distinguishes pre-production from final production. Although the manufacture ready prototype has the same functionality as the engineering prototype and retail packaging, it is not yet optimized.

Engineering Validation Test

During engineering validation, a variety of testing is carried out to verify essential functionality, as well as additional power and thermal checks. Testing may take up to 50 units to confirm that the prototype meets the functional specifications.

Design Validation Test

In design validation tests, reliability and environmental requirements are checked to ensure the product meets the necessary standards. We also conduct fire damage testing, drop testing, and waterproofing testing.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Predictable Designs

Electronic products receive certifications during this phase. The design validation test is usually the last step to ensure that no significant changes have to be made to the design after the tests. Depending on how many units are needed to test the product, minor design changes might be enough to fix any problems.

Production Validation & Testing

Mass production is ready for the product at this point. The first small production run, however, is considered part of the validation process and testing to determine if there is room for improvement in assembly time and quality control. The design will not be changed again unless there is a severe issue.